Military

DATE=12/04/01

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE= BUSH / MIDEAST (L UPDATE)

NUMBER=2-283881

BYLINE= PAULA WOLFSON

DATELINE= WHITE HOUSE

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

///EDS: UPDATES FINAL GRAFS ON FLORIDA IN CR 2-283878 ////

INTRO: President Bush is keeping pressure on Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat to find those responsible for the weekend suicide bombings in Israel. He is also calling on U-S allies to help rid the Middle East of terrorism. We have more from V-O-A White House correspondent Paula Wolfson.

TEXT: The President says there will not be peace in the Middle East until there is a crackdown on terrorism.

He says the job begins with Yasser Arafat.

////BUSH ACT///

It is incumbent upon Mr. Arafat now to respond forcefully, to rout out those who kill.

///END ACT///

But he acknowledges the best efforts of the Palestinian leadership will not be enough to curb all terrorism in the region.

///BUSH ACT TWO///

It is incumbent upon other friends and allies of ours around the world to help bring those terrorists to justice if we want peace in the Middle East, which I do.

////END ACT///

The comments came just hours after the President froze the U-S assets of three groups that are believed to provide financial support for the militant Palestinian organization Hamas. They include the Texas-based Holy Land Foundation for Relief and Development, which bills itself as the largest Muslim charity in the United States.

Mr. Bush made no direct mention of the assets freeze when he talked about the Middle East during a question and answer session with citizens of Orlando, Florida. Instead, he spoke in general terms of America's long time friendship with Israel, and his desire for peace. He said terrorists want to destroy the peace process, and he vowed they will not succeed.

////BUSH ACT THREE////

We cannot let a few prevent the many from achieving a dream - - which is lasting peace in the Middle East. I hope that happens. I hope it happens for the sake of Israel. I hope it happens for the sake of the Palestinians who suffer because of the lack of job opportunity, and killing and war.

////END ACT////

The event at an Orlando convention center was the highlight of the President's first trip to Florida since September 11th. He was in the state when terrorist struck the United States - - flying hijacked planes into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.

Florida has been hard hit by the nationwide drop in tourism that followed the attacks, particularly in the Orlando area. The President offered sympathy for those who lost their jobs, and urged Americans to visit the state.

He also pledged, as he does at almost every public appearance these days, to find and punish those who have committed acts of terror against the United States. He said the U-S government is following every hint and every lead and will eventually bring them to justice. (signed)

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